Doing my taxes through the internet. It is very basic since i am college student who had a small part time job for 2013 (<$1,000 gross wages)

The confusing this is that i am 23 and will turn 24 this year and thus qualify as a independent for FAFSA and qualify for Grants. I wouldnt qualify as a dependent.

But I also understand that FAFSA filing status is completely separate than IRS.

But because I used student loans to pay for all my expenses, and the income from my part time job, I still can't claim myself as independent and have my parents not claim for for this upcoming tax filing, right?

If I did claim myself as independent, checked the box that states "I provided more than half my support" and then used the education tax credits and personal exemption with only $1,000 of 2013 gross wages, would that be sketchy and send off a red flag to the IRS? Even though my parents don't support me and my student loans pay for my expenses?